Early Life and Career

Born on the 19th of March, 1955 in Gyangkhar village of what was then the North East Frontier Agency of India, Dorjee Khandu had an inauspicious school life before he joined the Indian Army Intelligence Corps where he worked for more than seven years. He excelled in his line of work and was awarded a Gold medal for his meritorious intelligence services rendered during the 1971 Bangladesh War. He was then actively engaged in social activities for the village people of Tawang district and looked after their welfare till the year 1980. His social work resulted in him being selected uncontested as the First ASM in 1980 where he served till the year 1983.

In 1982, he became the Chairman of Culture and Cooperative Societies and his enthusiastic efforts in this capacity resulted in the establishment of cultural and cooperative societies in Tawang. He led a cultural troupe representing Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi for ASIAD in 1982 where they won a silver medal for their performance.

In the year 1983, he was elected as District Vice President, West Kameng District Zilla Parishad.

Political Career

In March 1990, he was elected to the First Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh from Thingbu – Mukto constituency from where he was re – elected to the Second Legislative Assembly of the state in March 1995. On the 21st of September 1996, he became the Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Dairy Development. In October 1999, he was again re – elected to the Third Legislative Assembly of the state and later served as the Minister for Mines, Relief and Rehabilitation from 15th October 2002 to 27th July 2003. On the 28th of July 2003, he became the Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation and Disaster Management. In 2004, he was re – elected and became the Minister for Power, NCER and Relief and Rehabilitation.

On the 9th of April 2007, he replaced Gegong Apang as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He was again sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state on the 25th of October 2009.

Major Achievements

He had revived the Apex Bank (Bank for the common people of Arunachal Pradesh) which was closed due to corruption amounting to the tune of Rs. 200 crore. One significant rule that he had passed with respect to the bank is that no political leader can be its Chairman.

He also revived the Public Distribution Syatem (PDS). The Food Co – Operation of India (FCI) was brought into action after the reported scam of false billing and massive diversion of items to the black market by unscrupulous transporters.

A Tribute

Rising from an inconspicuous background to the leader of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu serves as a shining example of success through dedication and sheer hard work. His life and work will be a source of inspiration not only for the people of Arunachal Pradesh but also worldwide. Having guided Arunachal Pradesh into a new era of development and progress, his leadership will be missed in the corridors of power at Itanagar, may he rest in peace.

Jarbom Gamin succeeds Dorjee Khandu In the aftermath of the demise of Dorjee Khandu, PCC President Nabam Tuki, Ministers Setong Sema, K Kho and Jarbom Gamlin, Tako Dabi and party MP Takam Sanjay were the main contenders to take over the reins of power in Arunachal Pradesh. However, after a Congress Legislature Party meeting, Jarbom Gamlin was selected to succeed Dorjee Khandu. He was subsequently sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on the 5th of May. The new Chief Minister was previously the Home Minister when Dorjee Khandu came to power in 2007. Born in 1961 in the West Siang district of the state, Jarbom Gamlin graduated from Army School in Goalpara, Assam and got his Bachelor of Arts degree from Delhi University with History and Law being his honour subjects. A former President of the Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union from 1981 to 1983 and the Arunachal Pradesh Bar Association from 1992 to 2001, he was later elected to the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly for the first time in the year 2004.